The replacement of phosphates as of 2017 is the biggest technological challenge the industry has faced

Society is facing enormous challenges. The global population is expected to top 9 billion people in 2050, implying a massive increase in the demand for goods and services with scarce resources. Environmental sustainability is set to be a permanent source of concern over the next few decades. As such, the development of new products and innovation will be required to take social, environmental and economic priorities into consideration. The entire supply chain will need to be involved in the execution of the same: suppliers of precursors and raw materials, formulators, distributors and consumers.

For example, single-use formats, increasingly popular in the emerging markets, contribute significantly to sustainability. The same is true for the use of new biomaterials, which enhance even further the excellent biodegradability of the soluble capsules.

Up to now, phosphates have played a vital role in multi-purpose dishwashing detergents. However, in 2017 a new European Law is due to come into force abolishing the use of the same. Its replacement, consistent with the levels of efficacy achieved today, is the biggest technological challenge the industry has faced since the early days of this product category.